Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/1959.11/59151
Title: Older individuals and preventative behavioural interventions for COVID-19: a scoping review and perspective on wellbeing
Contributor(s): Thorsteinsson, Einar B  (author)orcid ; Cosh, Suzanne M  (author)orcid ; Loi, Natasha M  (author)orcid 
Publication Date: 2024-03-09
Open Access: Yes
DOI: 10.29392/001c.94210
Handle Link: https://hdl.handle.net/1959.11/59151
Abstract: 

Background

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, nations around the world introduced a range of behavioural interventions and restrictions in order to manage the spread of the virus. These included social distancing, lockdowns, and use of personal protective equipment, amongst others. The aim of the present paper is to examine some of the effects of these interventions on the psychological wellbeing and mental health of older adults, especially those with hearing loss.

Methods

The present review focused on published peer reviewed studies focusing on older adults. Search engines included Google Scholar, SpringerLink Journals, ProQuest Central, and PubMed employing different combinations of search terms such as "COVID-19", "older adults", and "isolation".

Results

Older adults were at risk of experiencing increased anxiety and depression and poorer wellbeing during lockdowns across nations, with those self-reporting loneliness reporting more severe symptomatology. Reductions in wellbeing were observed both amongst community-dwelling older adults and those living in residential care facilities. Use of personal protective equipment, especially masks, and social distancing requirements impacted communication amongst older adults with hearing loss, with this subgroup reporting increased depression, anxiety, and stress, with symptoms increasing with the severity of the hearing loss.

Conclusions

While technology can help to mitigate the impacts of lockdowns and restrictions, limited access to devices and a range of challenges in upskilling older adults has impacted the utility of these technologies for promoting wellbeing. Education and training in the use of technologies and digital devices for both older adults and families might assist in promoting wellbeing, with increased accessibility needed in aged care facilities to further support the wellbeing of residents.

Publication Type: Journal Article
Source of Publication: Journal of Global Health Reports, v.8, p. 1-12
Publisher: Inishmore Laser Scientific Publishing Ltd
Place of Publication: United Kingdom
ISSN: 2399-1623
Fields of Research (FoR) 2020: 440706 Health policy
520304 Health psychology
520302 Clinical psychology
Socio-Economic Objective (SEO) 2020: 200401 Behaviour and health
200409 Mental health
Peer Reviewed: Yes
HERDC Category Description: C1 Refereed Article in a Scholarly Journal
Appears in Collections:Journal Article
School of Psychology

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